Caring the carers / Prendersi cura di chi si prende cura

Melinda MEDGYASZAI

Melinda MEDGYASZAI

I’m a psychotherapist, specialised in cognitive behavioral therapy. I take part in the work of the Connection ’96 Mental Health Association in Veszprém, a member of the Hungarian Federation of Telephone Emergency Services. I work in Veszprém Csolnoky Hospital in psychiatric care centre and – being specialized in microbiology also – in National Mycobacteriology Reference Laboratory of Korányi National Institute for Pulmonology, and as an expert for European Commission.

Abstract

Caring the carers

Burnout syndrome is a well-known phenomenon, an international epidemic in the service sector – especially in the so called helping professions. A number of studies analyzed the causes, symptoms and possible antidotes of this mental condition that costs dearly not only the individual but the society as a whole as well. Volunteers of IFOTES are also in helping profession, why should they be free from burnout? Burnout is a “state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by one’s professional life.” There are a number of symptoms of Burnout such as: chronic fatigue, insomnia, impaired concentration and attention, anxiety, depression, loneliness etc. This condition does not develop overnight. Its effects are creeping up undetected and may contribute to resign from a job without even being recognized by the individual. Burnout’s road leads from unfounded idealism through frustration to apathy. Burnout has different causes such as: mental stress, responsibility, lack of feed back, conflicts, irregular working hours, IT problems, harassment, work-life balance or the lack of coping possibilities like control, support, holidays and so on. What to do? Burnout can be prevented. There are evidence based interventions: physical factors, organization issues can be rearranged, coping mechanisms can be supported, and stress management can be improved with relaxation techniques: mindfulness, autogen training, progressive relaxation, yoga – or whatever works.

The main point is: by preventing the development of Burnout to a debilitating condition we can enhance our co-workers well-being and the smooth operation of our help-lines as well.